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Are Ivy League Schools Worth It?

Ivy League schools are some of the most competitive schools to get into. Many may find themselves asking– are Ivy League schools worth it? Read on to find out what schools are considered Ivy League, why an Ivy League school may or may not be the right fit for you and how to gain admission to an Ivy League school.

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How to Prepare for an Ivy League University

Properly preparing for an Ivy League university will help ease the transition from high school to college. This blog will explain how the reader can prepare for all aspects of an Ivy League education. This blog will also explain the benefits of enlisting Spark Admissions for consulting during the application process.

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When Should I Start Preparing for Ivy League Applications?

If you have your heart set on an Ivy, preparing for the Ivy League application process as early as possible is essential. This blog will walk the reader through when students should start preparing for Ivy League applications. This blog will also explain the benefits of enlisting Spark Admissions for consulting during the application process.

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A stack of books with a graduation cap on top and the text 'National Merit Scholarship' in the negative space to the left.

What is the National Merit Scholarship Program?

Find out how to qualify for a National Merit Scholarship and how to maximize your chances of becoming a winner.

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Many More Women Than Men Applied to Brown University’s Class of 2027

How do gender gaps in both applicant pools and student bodies vary across institutions? What do they mean for you?

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What Effect Will ChatGPT Have on College Admissions?

What is ChatGPT? What impact will it make on college admissions? And what do you need to know about it as you apply?

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Early Decision 2 (or EDII) is Becoming Even More Important

What is Early Decision II, and why should you take advantage of it? Find out more here!

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Learn About Video Submissions or Video Interviews at Top Colleges

What are colleges seeking in the new introductory videos some of them are requesting? Find out more here!

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A female student at her school desk taking a test on a scantron form.

Columbia University is Now Permanently Test-Optional

Columbia's decision may have broader implications. Find out more here!

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A man filling out a paper application, while sitting in front of a laptop that states "Send your application now!".

Early Decision & Early Action Applications Increase at Top Colleges

ED and EA applications are on the rise! What does this mean for you?

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Your Major Can Impact College Admissions Success

Colleges compare students within their stated majors of interest. If you’re going for a particularly popular major, how can you stand out from a big pool of other applicants?

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7 Common App Essay Prompts for 2023-2024

For the 2023-2024 college application cycle, there are seven different prompts for the Common App personal essay. Read on to understand what admissions officers are expecting from each prompt, as well as tips to ensure that you’ve written a truly great essay.

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A female student at her school desk taking a test on a scantron form.

Which Colleges and Universities Will Be Test-Optional in 2023-2024?

Here is an up-to-date list of every school that will be test-optional, test-flexible, or test-blind in 2023-2024.

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A woman working in front of a laptop, surrounded by papers, colored pens, and an external hard-drive.

College Financial Aid Advice from a Financial Aid Coach

The financial aid search doesn't have to be harrowing! Here you'll find the most important steps in the process, from FinancialAidCoach.com.

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A graduating senior in her cap standing in front of a chalk board covered in question marks.

Surprising Admissions Trends at U.S. Colleges in 2021-2022

This spring, many students and families discovered that schools that could once have been considered relatively safe bets for strong students were no longer sure things. Here, we’ve highlighted some of the schools that saw a particularly noteworthy drop in their admission rates.

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An entry gate to one of Harvard's side gates.

Changes in Admission at Top Boston-Area Schools

In recent years, colleges and universities in and around Boston (including those in its neighboring suburbs) have received a growing number of applications, and as a result, falling admission rates.

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Understanding the Northeastern University Special Admissions Programs

Northeastern University has skyrocketed in popularity among college-bound high school students in recent years. As a result, Northeastern has initiated a number of “special admissions” programs that offer unique opportunities for students while also helping the university to manage their on-campus enrollment.

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A female student preparing to enter a large stone-fronted university building.

Admissions Changes at Catholic Universities in the United States

With their rising popularity, Catholic and Jesuit colleges have become increasingly selective. So if you’re thinking that a Catholic university might be right for you, read on to learn more about the most popular options and what they’re looking for in their students.

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A female student at her school desk taking a test on a scantron form.

Which Colleges and Universities Will Be Test-Optional in 2022-2023?

Here is an up-to-date list of every school that will be test-optional, test-flexible, or test-blind in 2022-2023.

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A closeup image of a pencil laying on a multiple-choice answer form.

New Digital SAT – What It Is & What It Means for College Admissions

The College Board recently announced an entirely new format for the future of the SAT. What will it look like, and how will it affect you?

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Two pencils resting on top of a completed scantron form.

Ivy League Schools Go Test-Optional Again for 2023-2024

Harvard, Stanford, and other top universities are extending their temporary test-optional policies. What does this mean for the college admissions landscape?

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Looking into the Numbers: College Admissions Trends in 2022-2023

This year has seen big changes and some scary numbers—but also evidence of emerging trends in the wake of the pandemic. Find out more here!

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9 Best Colleges for Pre-Med and What to Consider When Choosing One

Choosing a good school for pre-med is extremely important. Read our list of the shining stars of the pre-med world and start strong!

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A metal six-pointed 'Star-of-David'.

Best Colleges and Universities for Jewish Students

Whatever you’re looking for as a Jewish college applicant, we can help! Below, you can find some tips for what to look for in a campus to see if it has a strong Jewish community, as well as Hillel International’s recent rankings of schools with the most Jewish students.

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A collection of squash equipment.

Playing College Squash Without Getting Recruited

So you didn't get recruited to play squash. Here are some of the universities where you could stay on the court with a team or club.

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How to Get Recruited to College for Squash

If you’re a squash player—or the parent of a squash player—and you’re starting to think about the options for college play, read on!

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